‘Thuggery, not protest’: Dublin riot condemned by Garda chiefs

Shiva K Dhakal
National Press Corporation(NPC),UK
United Kingdom— Violence that erupted outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Dublin was “not peaceful protest but violence,” Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly has said.

The unrest broke out on Tuesday evening near the Citywest Hotel in the Saggart area, following reports of an alleged sexual assault nearby a day earlier. Gardaí (Irish police) were pelted with bricks, fireworks and bottles as clashes escalated, leaving one female officer injured.Commissioner Kelly said the “violent disorder” had disrupted the local community and businesses, calling it “totally unacceptable.”

Police arrested six people, five of whom have been charged with public order and weapons offences. Garda chiefs said the riot was “orchestrated by disparate groups on social media” seeking to incite hatred and fear.“This was not a peaceful protest,” said Chief Superintendent Michael McNulty. “The violence exhibited was thuggery and an attempt to intimidate and injure.”

A Garda helicopter was targeted with lasers, and a police vehicle was set on fire during the confrontation. About 300 officers, including public order and mounted units, were deployed, while a water cannon stood by but was not used.

Ireland’s Prime Minister Micheál Martin praised the “bravery and professionalism” of Gardaí dealing with what he described as “a very serious and grave situation.”Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan warned those behind the violence that they would face “a very forceful response” from law enforcement.

Police said they are reviewing CCTV and body-camera footage to identify further suspects involved in the unrest.

Source: bbc.com